Five Years Later - Remembering Wally Bell

Five years ago, on October 14, 2013, we lost Wally Bell, who had just umpired that postseason's NLDS. The 21-year MLB umpire, who died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 48, was remembered by Joe West, President of the World Umpires Association: "Wally was a great umpire, a great partner and a great friend. The umpiring community is deeply saddened by this tragic loss. He will be sorely missed by many."

Similar sentiments were shared throughout baseball, from then-Commissioner Bud Selig to Joe Torre and beyond.

Here at CCS, we noted a few more stories and reactions to Wally's passing during the postseason; there were moments of silence held at Dodger Stadium with Gerry Davis' NLCS crew; at Comerica Park, Joe West's ALCS umpires stood behind home plate in a "missing man" formation, in honor of Bell.
Related Post: MLB Umpire Wally Bell Dead at 48 (10/14/13).

This week, Foley's NY published a remembrance, writing, in part, "Wally was a MLB umpire who was quite a character and larger than life...I miss Wally and I would give anything to have him tell me the same stories over and over again." Visit Foley's for more.

We also visit ABC Action News for a segment remembering Bell in the following video section when Wally said, "To see the kids smile is the greatest thing in the world."

Video as follows:

2013 Honorable Umpires: Wally Bell & Ted Barrett

2013 UEFL Awards: Honorable Umpires of Year: Wally Bell & Ted Barrett (35, 65)
Voting Results (min. 10%): Bell 35%, Barrett 12%, Jim Joyce 10%.

Wally Bell and Ted Barrett are the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League's 2013 honorable umpires of the year.

In his 21st MLB season, Bell concluded 2013 with two ejections. In 2012, Bell had two ejections. Bell worked the final round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, 2013 All-Star Game and the NLDS. Just days after completing his NLDS assignment and after attending the Austintown Fitch Hall of Fame Dinner, Bell suffered a heart attack and passed away at the age of 48. To honor Bell's memory, Championship Series and World Series umpires wore a "WB" patch atop their sleeve numbers while moments of silence were held in both Los Angeles and Detroit; Detroit's crew lined up in a "missing man" formation during the moment of silence while in Los Angeles, a "WB" sign hung in an office window facing the playing field while another "WB" sign was placed outside the umpires' room with NLCS crew chief Gerry Davis' quote, "A true umpire's umpire." After undergoing open heart surgery in 1999, Bell began volunteering for the American Heart Association; he was also a high school basketball referee during the offseason. The UEFL Appeals Board voted unanimously to give Bell an honorary 2013 World Series assignment.

In his 17th MLB season, Barrett concluded 2013 with two ejections after a zero ejection season in 2012. Barrett worked the final round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic, 2013 American League Wild Card Game and the NLCS. Prior to the season, Barrett & Mexico native Alfonso Marquez travelled to Mexico, as they do every year prior to spring training, to develop Mexican League umpires and for children who are lacking clothing and other necessities ("Fonzie's Kids"). Marquez was the UEFL's Honorable Umpire of the Year in 2011. A founder of the baseball-themed ministry Calling for Christ, a ministry for professional baseball umpires, Associate Pastor Barrett earned his Pastoral Ministry PhD in theology from Trinity Theological Seminary this year. Barrett was promoted to the position of crew chief prior to the 2013 season.

Wally Bell now has 8 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (6 Previous + 2 Award = 8).
Ted Barrett now has 9 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (7 Previous + 2 Award = 9).

The next postseason award, Noteworthy Umpires of the Year, will be released later today.

MLB Umpire Wally Bell Dead at 48

21-year MLB veteran umpire Wally Bell has died of a heart ailment, which has been updated to be a heart attack suffered while at a Youngstown area hospital. Bell was in town after attending the weekend's Austintown Fitch Hall of Fame Dinner. Bell was 48 years old. Throughout the 2013 postseason and 2014 regular and postseason, umpires will wear the memorial WB patch in Bell's honor.

Wally Bell officiated over 2,750 MLB games.

Born January 10, 1965 in Ravenna, Ohio, Bell (sleeve number 35) graduated from the Joe Brinkman Umpire School in 1984 and joined the Major League staff in 1992, appointed as a National League umpire. After working his first MLB All-Star game in 1997, Bell officiated his first Division Series in 1998, first Championship Series in 2000 and World Series in 2006. Having worked the 2013 World Baseball Classic final round in San Francisco, All-Star Game and NL Division Series between the Cardinals and Pirates, Bell was on track for a potential return to the Fall Classic.

After Monday's Cardinals-Dodgers game in Los Angeles, NLCS crew chief Gerry Davis spoke on behalf of his crew: "It was a devastating loss for us. Wally was a true umpire's umpire. I think if you'll check with the players and teams they felt the same way because Wally always gave 110 percent on the field."
Video: Cardinals-Dodgers hold a moment of silence at Dodger Stadium prior to Game 4 (TBS)

"We had to regroup rather quickly and put our concentration where it needed to be. We kept telling each other that that's the way Wally would have wanted it, and we know that that's really true. One of the things that we shared in the locker room afterwards is that I'm sure he's very proud right now."

Video: Davis & MLB EVP of Baseball Operations Joe Torre's press conference regarding Bell's passing

After LA's 3-0 victory over St. Louis, Dodgers catcher AJ Ellis stepped back from the celebration to offer perspective and reflect: "Fun team win 2nite but thoughts and prayers are with family and other umpires grieving loss of Wally Bell...Wally kept game fun and loose and I always looked forward to catching with him behind plate. I will miss his personality and professionalism."

Meanwhile, in the Boston-Detroit ALCS, crew chief Joe West, president of the World Umpires Association said, "Wally was a great umpire, a great partner and a great friend. The umpiring community is deeply saddened by this tragic loss. He will be sorely missed by many."

Boston pitcher Jake Peavy wrote: "Just heard the news & devastated about the passing of Wally Bell. A great umpire, a great man" while Shane Victorino added, "My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Wally Bell. So sad to hear (and) will remember him tomorrow as I take the field."

Jose Bautista remembered Bell's ebullient personality: "He always had great spirits on the field, i will always remember how he teased me about my beard."

MLB.com's Cut4 captured additional thoughts in "The 140 Club": "Players mourn the loss of Wally Bell."

Added fellow umpire John Hirschbeck: "He was like to a son to me, my wife Denise, very dear friend. It’s devastating. Wally was one of the first to call me and congratulate me on working the World Series."

Bell is the first MLB umpire to die while on the active roster since John McSherry, who passed away of a heart attack during Opening Day 1996 in Cincinnati and first active pro official to die since Greg Willard of the NBA.

Bell, who volunteered for the American Heart Association and officiated high school basketball during the winter offseason, returned to baseball after undergoing open heart surgery in 1999. Bell is survived by his children Jason Patrick (8/10/99) and Lindsey Jane (9/27/00), two brothers and a sister.

All-Star Game 2013: Close Call Video Analysis and Recap

The 2013 MLB All-Star Game is complete and the umpiring results are in. Consistent with ESPN's study finding only 1.3 calls per game were close enough for instant replay review, the 2013 All-Star Game contained two such calls.

The closest call of the night, Vanover gets right.

1: In the bottom of the 4th inning, Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen's stole second base off Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez and Twins catcher Joe Mauer. Replays indicate the tag by Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy was tardy, McCutchen's left hand touching the bag prior to the tag for a correct safe call by 2B Umpire Larry Vanover. QOC = Correct.

2: In the 5th, Hardy beat out a Troy Tulowitzki throw at first base on the backend of an attempted double play. Replays confirm 1B Umpire Wally Bell made the correct call. QOC = Correct.

Hon. Mention: In ASG comedy, we had Prince Fielder attempt to high-five (or low-five) 3B Umpire Paul Emmel after his ninth inning triple. Replays indicate the excited Prince missed his mark with the palm, but not with the funny.

For HP Umpire John Hirschbeck's calling of balls and strikes, refer to the following fastmap pitch f/x plots:

Balls: 82 / 88 total = 93.2% Accuracy
Called Strikes: 28 / 41 total = <90.0% Accuracy
Total Pitches: 110 / 129 total = <90.0% Accuracy

Wrap: American League All-Stars vs. National League All-Stars, 7/16/13

Stay tuned... 7/17/13 is the Triple-A All-Star Game, featuring HP Umpire Tripp Gibson (PCL), 1B Umpire Chad Whitson (IL), 2B Umpire Chris Segal (PCL) and 3B Umpire Brad Myers (IL).

Roster: 2013 MLB All-Star Game Umpires

MLB has announced the umpires for the 2013 All-Star Game to be held on July 16 at Citi Field in New York:

HP: John Hirschbeck -cc: Working his third All-Star Game (1989, 2004), Hirschbeck will serve as crew chief for just the first time. Hirschbeck has worked eight Division Series, four League Championship Series and three World Series. This is his first special event since returning to baseball this spring after recovering from testicular cancer. 

1B: Wally Bell: Third All-Star Game (1997, 2007). Bell has worked six Division Series (1998, 99, 2003-04, 06, 12), foul League Championship Series (2000, 01, 05, 10) and the 2006 World Series. Also worked the 2013 World Baseball Classic Championship Round in San Francisco. 

2B: Larry Vanover: Second All-Star Game (1999). Vanover has worked the 2006 AL Division Series and 2007 NL Championship Series. 

3B: Paul Emmel: Second All-Star Game (2002). Emmel has worked seven Division Series (2002-03, 06, 08-10, 12) and the 2007 AL Championship Series. Also worked the 2009 World Baseball Classic Championship Round in Los Angeles. 

LF: Rob Drake: First All-Star Game. Worked the 2010 NL Division Series, 2012 NL Wild Card Game and 2012 AL Championship Series. 

RF: Chad Fairchild: First All-Star Game. Worked two Division Series (2011, 12).

MLB Ejections 068, 069: Wally Bell (1, 2; Bochy, Kontos)

HP Umpire Wally Bell ejected Giants P George Kontos & Manger Bruce Bochy for throwing at Pirates batter Andrew McCutchen in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Giants-Pirates game. With one out and one on, and

Bell shows Kontos the door.

after warnings were previously issued to Starling Marte earlier in the inning, Kontos hit McCutchen with a 2-0 fastball. At the time of the ejection, the Pirates were leading, 8-2. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 8-2.

These are Wally Bell (35)'s first and second ejections of 2013.
Wally Bell now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 + 2*[2 MLB + 0 U] = 4).
Crew Chief Tim McClelland now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (1 Previous + 2 Irrecusable Call = 3).

These are the 68th and 69th ejections of 2013.
This is the 31st player ejection of 2013. Prior to his ejection, Kontos' line was 1.1 IP, 3 ER, 1 HR.
This is the Giants' 3rd/4th ejection of 2013, T-2nd in the NL West (LAD 5; ARI, SF 4; SD 2; COL 0).
This is George Kontos' first career ejection.
This is Bruce Bochy's 3rd ejection of 2013 and first since May 25 (Alfonso Marquez; QOC = N).
This is Wally Bell's first ejection since August 23, 2012 (Scott Diamond/Ron Gardenhire; QOC = U).

Wrap: San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 6/11/13
Video: Kontos hits McCutchen after a game of the HBP and is tossed along with skipper Bochy (PIT)
Video: Marco Scutaro hit by a Tony Watson fastball on the hands and is forced to leave the game (SF)
Video: Compilation of all hit batsmen and inside heaters that led to Kontos and Bochy's ejections (PIT)

UEFL Profile of MLB Umpire Wally Bell

Umpire Wally Bell

Presenting the UEFL Profile of MLB Umpire Wally Bell.
Name: Wallace Robert "Wally" Bell
Pronunciation Guide: WALL-ee BELL
Date of Birth: January 10, 1965
Place of Birth: Ravenna, Ohio

Date of Death: October 14, 2013 (age 48)

MiLB Leagues Worked: New York-Penn, South Atlantic, Carolina, Southern, Dominican Republic, Triple-A Alliance, International.
MLB Debut: 1992 (NL)
MLB Finale: 2013 (MLB) [21 years of service]
Level: MLB
Umpire Uniform Number: 35
Crew Chief: No

2013 Ejections: 2.
Ejections 068, 069 (SF P Kontos, M Bochy; QOC = U).

2012 Ejections: 2.
Ejection 137 (MIN M Ron Gardenhire; QOC = U).
Ejection 136 (MIN P Scott Diamond; QOC = U).

Ejections, Career: 44
First Ejection: 5/11/1994 (Fernando Vina)
Final Ejection: 6/11/2013 (Bruce Bochy, George Kontos)
Ejection History: 5 (1994), 1 (1995), 3 (1996), 4 (1997), 4 (1998), 2 (1999), 2 (2000), 2 (2001), 5 (2002), 1 (2003), 2 (2004), 0 (2005), 2 (2006), 1 (2007), 4 (2008), 1 (2009), 0 (2010), 1 (2011), 2 (2012), 2 (2013).

UEFL History: Wally Bell

Postseason and Special Events History
World Baseball Classic: 2013
All-Star Game: 1997, 2000, 2013
Wild Card Game: -
Division Series: 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2012, 2013
Championship Series: 2000, 2001, 2005, 2010
World Series: 2006, (2013; UEFL Honorary Assignment)

UEFL Honorable Umpire of the Year: 2013

Notes: Involved with charity work for the American Heart Association after open heart surgery in 1999.
» Hobbies included golf and fishing. Survived by teenaged son Jason Patrick, daughter Lindsey Jane.

Rule 7.10: How a Runner is Out on Appeal

Appeal plays occur in baseball when the defense claims a violation of the rules by the offensive team (Rule 2.00 [APPEAL]), while Rule 7.10 appeals occur when a fielder claims a violation by a runner.

For instance, on Saturday, the Cleveland Indians appealed that Tigers baserunner Alex Avila violated OBR Rule 7.02 by failing to touch first, second, third and home bases in order en route to scoring a run. With two out and one on, baserunner R2 Avila attempted to score from second base after Indians F6 Asdrubal Cabrera overthrew third base during an attempted fielder's choice. After the play's conclusion, the Indians appealed to third base umpire Wally Bell that Avila never touched third base, a ruling affirmed as Avila was declared out on appeal for failing to touch all bases pursuant to Rules 7.02 and 7.10(b) [failure to touch each base in order]. The ruling negated the run Avila had attempted to score during the previous play.

This table of possible outcomes for each sequence
demonstrates that the order in which an appeal is
executed is of tantamount importance.

Video: Avila ruled out on appeal for missing third base

Similarly of note, Rule 7.10 appeals must be made prior to the next pitch or any play or attempted play, while Rule 7.10 appeals themselves are not to be be interpreted as plays. Appeals are made while the ball is live.

In essense, if a runner misses third base, as in the video above, a Rule 7.10 appeal must be executed prior to the next pitch, as in the video above. Similarly, the Rule 7.10 appeal must be made before an ensuing play or attempted play.

In the video above, new baserunner R2 Quintin Berry tried to induce an attempted play by running towards third base and providing the Indians the opportunity at an easy out if they were to tag Berry while he was off his base. Had the Indians made a play or attempted play on Berry (e.g., by tagging him out) prior to completing their appeal play (e.g., by tagging third base), they would have lost their chance to appeal Avila's miss of third base.

Instead, as the video shows, third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall tagged third base pursuant to the procedure for a Rule 7.10 appeal prior to tagging Berry, who was still off his base. Because Chisenhall tagged third base and executed his appeal prior to making a play on Berry, the appeal was eligible for review and affirmation by umpire Bell. Had Chisenhall reversed the order and tagged Berry before stepping on third base, the appeal would not have been eligible for review, Bell would not have been able to declare Avila out for missing third base, and Avila's run would have stood.

Other 7.10 appeals include leaving early on a fly ball & losing overrun protection at first base, as seen here... Also listed is the rarely-seen "fourth out" play which, in tandem with a time play, occurred during a Major League contest from 2009:

Ejections 136, 137: Wally Bell (1, 2)

HP Umpire Wally Bell ejected Twins P Scott Diamond and Manager Ron Gardenhire for throwing at Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton in the bottom of the 3rd inning of the Twins-Rangers game. With one out and one on in the top of the 3rd inning, Twins batter Joe Mauer was hit by a 3-0 Roy Oswalt pitch. With one out and none on in the bottom of the frame, Diamond's first pitch to Hamilton sailed high and inside toward Hamilton's head. Though the pitch did not hit Hamilton, Rule 8.02(d)(1) enjoins umpires to expel the pitcher or manager and pitcher from the game if, in his judgment, the pitcher has intentionally pitched at the batter. Rule 8.02(d) Comment futher specifies that pitching at a batter's head is unsportsmanlike, condemned and highly dangerous. Gardenhire was ejected disputing the ejection and disputing Bell's decision not to issue warnings after Oswalt hit Mauer, which is a prohibited argument pursuant to the terms of Rule 8.02(d) Comment, the call was irrecusable. At the time of the ejections, the contest was tied, 2-2. The Rangers ultimately won the contest, 10-6.

These are Wally Bell (35)'s first and second ejections of 2012.
Wally Bell now has 4 points in the UEFL (0 Previous + 2*[2 MLB + 0 Irrecusable Call] = 4).
Crew Chief Wally Bell now has 3 points in the UEFL's Crew Division (1 Previous + 2*[1 Irrecusable] = 3).

UEFL Standings Update

These are the 136th and 137th ejections of 2012.
This is the 57th player ejection of 2012. Prior to his ejection, Diamond had 2.1 IP with 2 ER.
This is the 67th Manager ejection of 2012.
This is the Twins' 6th ejection of 2012, T-3rd in the AL Central (DET 9; KC 7; CLE, MIN 6; CWS 5).
This is Scott Diamond's first career ejection.
This is Ron Gardenhire's first ejection since May 25 (Alan Porter; QOC = Incorrect).
This is Wally Bell's first ejection since August 16, 2011 (Tony Sipp; QOC = Incorrect).

Wrap: Twins at Rangers, 8/23/12
Video: After Joe Mauer is plunked, Diamond throws over Hamilton's head, leading to ejections (MIN Feed)

Ejections: Wally Bell (1)

1B Umpire Wally Bell ejected Indians pitcher Tony Sipp for arguing a safe call in the bottom of the 10tth inning of the Indians-White Sox game. With one out and one on, White Sox batter Alejandro De Aza singled on a bunt ground ball to first baseman Matt LaPorta. Sipp was ejected after being removed from the game. Replays indicate LaPorta's path was blocked by Sipp, but was still able to apply the tag to De Aza prior to De Aza reaching first base, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the contest was tied, 7-7. The White Sox ultimately won the contest, 8-7, in 14 innings.

This is Wally Bell (35)'s first ejection of 2011.
Wally Bell now has -2 points in the Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (0 Previous + 2 MLB + -4 Inorrect Call = -2)
Wally Bell is owned as a Secondary Umpire by MrBillMueller, who is now tied for 14th place in the UEFL with 13 points.

This is the 158th ejection of 2011.
This is the 74th player ejection of 2011.
Prior to his ejection, Sipp's line was .1 IP, 0 ER.

Wrap: Indians at White Sox 8/16/11
Video: Sipp is ejected as he departs